Just last week, we reported on a new five story mixed-use building replacing a home on Ridge Avenue in Francisville. Next on the docket in this neighborhood is a 12 unit apartment building which could succeed an old garage on the other side of Ridge. While the former was able to secure a by-right permit, the latter, located at 1808-12 Wylie St., will need approval from the ZBA before anything can happen.

The proposal faces a number of zoning refusals despite the fact that the building would be fairly consistent with projects we’ve seen in the area over the last decade. The property is zoned for multi-family use, but the developers are asking for one more unit than the code allows. The height of the building also presents an issue, as it will rise 7 feet higher than is permitted. Most obnoxious, the code still includes a requirement that any project with two-story homes on both sides provides front setbacks above the 2nd floor. Every time we’ve seen this in practice, it’s been an architectural abomination. Fortunately, the ZBA has shown real flexibility in enforcing this provision of the code.

As we can see from the conceptual rendering from Common Practice, the building’s brick facade will be compatible with adjacent buildings, though the larger windows will provide a more contemporary feel. The height will obviously present a contrast with the immediate neighbors, but a pair of quadplexes built across the street ten years ago look to be about the same height and it doesn’t seem like they’ve ruined the livability of the block. The garage, providing access to five interior parking spots, is probably the biggest differentiator from the other properties nearby, and it almost perfectly echos the existing garage that’s being demolished and replaced.

The parking spots are not required by the code, and we would posit that their inclusion was with an eye toward winning community support for a project that will add legitimate (but appropriate!) density. Whether it was due to the parking spots or not, local RCO United Francisville Civic Association is supporting the project, which bodes quite well for its prospects. We’re optimistic this modest redevelopment will get the go ahead from the ZBA this month; the alternative of maintaining a vacant lot and a beat up garage would certainly be a suboptimal outcome for this growing neighborhood.